“Living legend,” said five-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin while addressing Paris 2024 swimming team captain Katie Ledecky. The 27-year-old ESPY winner for Best Female Athlete is among those who need no introduction. So when the two-time Paris Olympic gold medalist appeared on the Unfiltered Waters Podcast, the hosts asked how it felt acting as captain.

The nine-time Olympic gold medalist revealed everything felt far easier than she thought it would. Ledecky sang praises of everyone on the roster. She even pointed out how youngsters such as Katie Grimes, Alex Shackle, Kate Douglas, and others seemed experienced beyond their age. However, Franklin’s question reminded Ledecky of herself in 2012.

The most decorated female swimmer in U.S. history said becoming captain was a déjà vu moment for the Olympian. While swimmers such as 18-year-old Katie Grimes looked up to the 27-year-old icon, Ledecky found herself in the same position at the London Olympics when she was 15. “So now that it’s come full circle, and I’m the older one,” Katie Ledecky said during the podcast.

The fourteen-time Olympic medalist’s seniors like Missy Franklin had made things easy in 2012. Similarly, her juniors took the stress out of being team captain in Paris. “I felt like it was so easy,” confessed the Olympian. “I might be wrong,” but only Emma Weber didn’t have world championships experience under her belt. However, even then, things went smoothly.

Katie Ledecky did give advice, especially during the 4x200m freestyle relay, where she took Team USA to silver. However, the swimming icon said it was an environment where everyone, regardless of their age or experience, “felt like they belonged.” Despite facing fierce competition from a patented Team Australia, the women of Team USA held their nerve.

Under Ledecky as captain, Kate Douglas brought home gold in the 200m breaststroke and 4x100m medley. Katharine Berkoff won gold alongside Douglas in the medley relay and bronze in the 100m backstroke. Even 23-year-old Emma Webber contributed to the 4x100m medley relay, earning gold in her Olympic debut. And when it was all said and done, Ledecky showed just why USA Swimming chose her as the captain.

Katie Ledecky’s historic Olympic campaign

With two golds, a silver, and a bronze, the legend from Maryland became the most successful female U.S. swimmer in Olympic history. She also put on a historic performance during her signature 1500m freestyle event to become the only woman to win the event three times consecutively. However, that wasn’t enough for the 27-year-old, as she also set the Olympic record in the event.

So Missy Franklin didn’t exaggerate when she called Katie Ledecky a “living legend.” However, it was Nick Mead from Team USA’s rowing team who perfectly described Ledecky’s aura. Mead’s rowing team broke a 64-year medal drought, winning gold at Paris 2024. And for his incredible feat, Mead became one of the flag bearers for the closing ceremony.

However, this massive honor wasn’t his highlight from the final day in Paris. Instead, it was the fact that he would share the role with none other than Katie Ledecky that excited the 29-year-old. “I got chills,” said Mead when his teammate Justin Best delivered the news to his fellow rower. So it’s safe to assume that the icon from Maryland has transcended her sport.

However, even after making history in Paris, Ledecky isn’t done. Michael Phelps’ epic comeback at 31 in 2016 proved that age is just a number for all-time greats. So, while she may not be in her prime when LA 2028 rolls around, swimming fans can certainly expect Ledecky to put on the Olympics captain’s cap on home soil!